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January 20 2016

Presidential Primary Absentee Ballots Available

By: BNEWS

Those looking to vote in the presidential primaries on March 1 but won’t be able to make it to the polls can now pick up an absentee ballot.

Town Clerk Amy Warfield said absentee ballots are now available at her office in Town Hall and will be mailed to those who have already applied. Anyone in need of one can apply in the office. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 29 at noon.

Any voter unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to absence from the town during the hours the polls are open, physical disability or religious belief are eligible to apply.

To apply, a written request by the voter or any family member must be received by the Town Clerk by noon the day before the election. Voters may apply and vote in person at the Town Clerk's office or send a request through the mail. If the ballot is to be mailed, apply far enough in advance so that the ballot can be mailed and returned by the close of the poll. If you are Unenrolled you must fill out what Party ballot you wish to receive for the Primary but no matter which you choose you will remain Unenrolled for future elections. Applications are also available at www.burlington.org.

In order to vote in the primary you must choose which party’s ballot you wish you receive. There are four political parties in Massachusetts – they are (D) Democrat, (J) Green-Rainbow, (R) Republican and (CC) United Independent. If you are registered in one of these parties that is the only ballot you are eligible to receive on March 1.

You can change your Party registration up until February 10th. If you have questions on your party registration you can check it at Burlington.org or call the Clerk’s office at 781-270-1660.

Voters who find themselves in the hospital shortly before the election can get a ballot delivered to them by a trusted third party. In order to meet the criteria for this they must have been admitted after noon of the 5th day before the election and they must apply themselves and designate in writing who may hand carry the ballot to them. Applications can be made anytime, however, the ballot must be returned by the close of the poll.

The poll hours for the presidential primary are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 1st at the Burlington High School gym.